28 March 2014

IT WILL take more than a six-point Tampines Rovers lead at the top of the Singapore League to worry DPMM FC captain Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis.
Three-time defending S-League champions, Tampines sent out another strong sign to their title challengers by coming back from a two-goal deficit to beat Harimau Muda B 3-2 last night – denying the Malaysian national Under-21 team their first points of the season after a dramatic turnaround in which they scored all three of their goals in the last 10 minutes.
Second-placed DPMM FC face Geylang International FC at the Bedok Stadium in Singapore tonight knowing they have to win in order to maintain the pressure on the league leaders, who were trailing 2-0 until the 85th minute when Noh Alam Shah made it 2-1 – with marquee signing Miljan Mrdakovic scoring a S-League leading sixth goal in the 93rd minute before Roberto Martinez capped the remarkable return with his team’s third goal three minutes later.
“I don’t think there’s more pressure on us, we just have to focus on winning (against Geylang),” Rosmin told The Brunei Times last night.
DPMM FC were on the receiving end of a Tampines comeback of their own on Sunday night when the Stags stormed back from 1-0 down to beat the hosts 2-1 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas, handing the Bruneians their first dropped points of the season.
Not only were the goals the first DPMM FC have let in all season, the win saw Tampines move away from DPMM FC to take sole possession of top spot in the 12-team table – though Rosmin insists they have put the defeat behind them.
“The most important thing is how we react after last week’s defeat,” he said.
“It’s very important (to win against Geylang) since we need to get back to our winning ways.
“Every team will concede goals, we just need to bounce back.
“We needed to take our chances that night and I’m sure we would have won, but we need to live with it and now we need to keep going and forget about the loss,” he added after seeing the team’s three-game winning streak come to an end.
Geylang have been the exact opposite.
After losing their first three league games, Geylang notched a slim 1-0 win over the Young Lions (Singapore national Under-23 team) in their last game on March 20 and will enter tonight’s tie against DPMM FC with a spring in their step.
The game against the Young Lions was the first match in charge for Jorg Steinebrunner, who replaced V Kanan in the Geylang hot seat, and the German’s arrival seemed to have motivated the Eagles enough for them to grab their first points of the campaign.
“They have a new coach from Germany and they won their last match, so it won’t be easy for us,” admitted Rosmin.
Perhaps adding more pressure on DPMM FC, though Rosmin won’t agree, is tonight’s other S-League game which pits fifth-placed Balestier Khalsa against third-placed Warriors.
A win for either of the two sides, combined with dropped points by DPMM FC, could see Brunei’s only professional club slide to third.
Adding more spice to this week’s round of action was last night’s other game which saw Home United steal a 90th minute equaliser against Hougang United to seal a 2-2 draw, with a win for the latter ensuring they would push DPMM FC to third.
But in a season which is only five games in, it will take more than that to give Rosmin any sleepless nights.

24 March 2014

DPMM FC failed to break their Tampines Rovers curse as they were denied a victory by the woodwork twice.
Brunei’s only professional team succumbed to the three-time defending champions again after a 2-1 heartbreak in their Singapore League (S-League) match at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.
They remain winless against Tampines in all five meetings – two of which have ended in draws – and this is the third time that the Singaporeans found the back of the net late in the game.
It was also Steve Kean’s first defeat of the S-League season and also the first time they let in a goal, with the Stags leaping over DPMM FC to take sole possession of the top.
DPMM FC put up a dominant showing but were made to pay the price for wasting their chances upfront, with skipper Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis and Roy O’Donovan both having attempts rattle the posts within two minutes of each other.
Kean was disappointed with the outcome as he believed they should have walked away with all three points.
“I’m disappointed because we did enough to win.... I would have even been disappointed with a draw,” said Kean in an interview with the media after the match.
“We created enough to win two games.
“We were on top, hit the post (twice) and even had a chance for a penalty. We needed to be more ruthless to score and could have gotten full points.
“I’m disappointed with the second goal as we should have put more pressure on the ball,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
DPMM FC started the match strongly and deservingly took the lead through Roberto Alviz in the seventh minute when Joseph Gamble set up a trailing Alviz to rocket home his shot past Tampines keeper Hyrulnizam Juma’at.
There was an appeal for handball from DPMM FC’s marquee signing O’Donovan when he had his shot blocked by Norihiro Kawakami three minutes later.
Tampines began to settle down and had their only chance in the first half through Shahdan Sulaiman in the 20th minute, though his deflected shot was saved by Wardun Yussof.
O’Donovan had a good strike in the 39th minute but Hyrulnizam put up a good save.
The former Sunderland striker had another chance the next minute after connecting on an Azwan Ali Rahman cross but was denied by Hyrulnizam’s finger tips.
Brazilian Rodrigo Tosi rose the highest on another Azwan cross in the 44th minute but failed to hit the target.
Tampines didn’t get many chances but pounced once given.
The Stags equallised through S-League top scorer Miljan Mrdakovic after a failed clearance by the home side in the 56th minute.
The Tampines marquee signing got behind the defence and easily slotted it past Wardun for his fifth of the campaign.
DPMM FC almost responded immediately through O’Donovan in the 58th minute but Hyrulnizam once against put up a brilliant save.
Tampines, who had used all three substitutes by then, were basically down to 10-man after Abdil Qaiyyim picked up an injury in the 62nd minute.
However, the defender would stay on the pitch for the remainder of the game.
Wardun had to come up with back-to-back saves in the 65th minute to prevent Tampines from adding to the scoresheet.
Tosi had a good chance in the 70th minute with his shot going across goal, with O’Donovan only able to hit the side netting.
DPMM FC looked to have regained the lead in the 72nd minute but captain Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis saw his shot off the post.
Two minutes later Rosmin had his attempt saved before O’Donovan pounced on the rebound to be denied by the post once again.
It was heartbreak late on as Shahdan struck in the 89th minute to complete the Tampines comeback.
DPMM FC looked to have salvaged a point one minute into injury time after O’Donovan scored, but the strike was flagged for offside.
Over at the Pasir Gudang Stadium in Johor, Malaysia, Home United picked up their second victory of the season with a 3-0 triumph over Harimau Muda B ( Malaysian national Under-21 team).
Fazrul Nawaz netted a brace with goals in the 44th and 55th minutes while Qiu Li also got on the scoresheet in the 86th minute.

20 March 2014

THE Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) defeated Kilanas FC 2-1 to move to the top the DST Super League last night.
With 15 points from five wins and a loss, the policemen now lead Najip FC by two points - though the latter have a game in hand.
Both MS PDB and Kilanas dished out quality play, though Kilanas held the slight edge in the early minutes.
MS PDB’s Jasrimah Hj Johari eventually put his team in the lead with a header from Mohd Bohari Mohd Hasan’s corner kick that flew straight into the heart of the penalty box.
They then started to dominate the attack but their energy slowly trickled down leading to the end of the first half.
The half-time break saw a refreshed and more offensive Kilanas FC come out to play at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Kilanas’s Mohd Nor Hidayatullah Hj Zaini netted their only goal after a series of deflections that led to the equaliser.
Mohd Khalid Wassaddisalleh Hj Mahmud hammered in the first shot, which deflected to Pg Mohd Sallehudin Pg Sarifudin - who then sent in an attempt which Hidayatullah finished off.
Kilanas carried on with some impressive attacks before MS PDB’s Mohd Bohari took back the lead in the 70th minute.
MS PDB’s Mohd Nazirul Arsat assisted the goal by pulling Kilanas’s defence towards him on the right flank before laying off the ball to Mohd Bohari who was left with a wide open shot.
MS PDB’s coach Staff Sgt Sahrin Hj Md Jaya wasn’t worried when his team were held at 1-1 by Kilanas FC.
“When they equalised I was still confident because it was only the start of the second half and there was still plenty of time,” Sahrin told The Brunei Times.
“In the first half, we had a number of chances and we could’ve gotten three or four goals.
“The game was a little bit slow in the second half and Kilanas FC pressured us with long-balls,” added Sahrin.
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) took out Jerudong FC 5-2 in last night’s other match at the Berakas Sports Complex.
MS ABDB’s goals were scored through Mohd Baharin Hamidon in the first minute, Mohd Khairuddin Abd Kadir in the sixth minute, Affendy Hj Akup in the 34th and 68th minute and Muhd Muhaimin Rosmalee in the 56th minute.
Mohd Esmendy Brahim (14th minute) and Mohd Bazli Mohd Said (28th minute) scored for Jerudong.

INDERA SC continued their unbeaten run in the DST Super League after defeating Liang Lumut Recreational Club (LLRC) FT 3-0 last night.
Contested at the Tutong Sports Complex, Indera took a 1-0 lead into halftime through Mohd Asri Hj Aspar in the 40th minute.
Mohd Zulkhairy Razali got on the scoresheet twice in the 73rd and 76th minutes to claim all three points from the encounter.
Indera currently sit in third place with three wins and a draw to their name for 10 points.
It is LLRC FT’s first loss of the season, having gone unbeaten in their first three matches as they remain fourth on seven points.
Najip FC and the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) are currently at the top of the 10-team table with 12 points from five matches.
The policemen can take sole possession of the top spot as they are set to see action today.
They will be up against Kilanas FC at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
The other match pits the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) against Jerudong FC at the Berakas Sports Complex.
Both games are set to kick off at 8.15pm.-Yee Chun Leong
The Brunei Times

15 March 2014

MARQUEE signing Roy O’Donovan finally opened his account with DPMM FC.
DPMM FC shot back to the top of the Singapore League (S-League) after a 3-0 victory over Home United FC last night.
O’Donovan found the back of the net twice in the triumph at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Brunei’s only professional team have now won their opening three matches for a maximum of nine points in the Steve Kean era.
More impressive is that they have done it with cleansheets in all the games so far.
Both sides were equally matched in the opening minutes with neither conceding control of the game. It was the visitors that pushed forward and looked dangerous soon after.
O’Donovan had the best chance to give DPMM FC the lead in the 17th minute but his header from seven yards out was off target.
The former Sunderland striker had another chance minutes later but was denied by the woodwork.
The Irish made no mistake in the 25th minute after heading in a Joe Gamble cross inside the box.
Lee Kwan-woo almost replied immediately after getting behind the DPMM FC defence, only to fire wide despite having plenty of time.
Brazilian Rodrigo Tosi doubled DPMM FC’s advantage after beating Shahril Jantan at the near post in the 36th minute.
Gamble made a run to the right to draw defenders, allowing Tosi to fire with his favoured left foot. It was the forward’s third goal in as many games.
Home United were denied a penalty after a challenge by DPMM FC captain Rosmin Hj Kamis on Lee after the restart.
The home side should have scored in the 40th minute after Fazli Ayob chipped the ball over DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof but Sairol Hj Sahari managed to clear it off the line.
Bosnian Boris Raspudic almost got his name on the scoresheet after finding himself unmarked for an open header in the 57th minute but saw his effort off target.
O’Donovan notched his brace to give the Brunei side a 3-0 lead after heading home a cross from the left by Tosi in the 64th minute.
Sirina Camara should have pulled one back for Home United in the 78th minute but saw his shot saved by Wardun.
Striker Shahrazen Said was also given his first taste of action in the season in the 81st minute after Tosi was shown a yellow card.
The Protectors were pushing forward and were giving it their all but failed to break the DPMM FC defence.
The former were not clinical infront of the goal and were clearly missing the services of the suspended Qiu Li.
Home United had one last chance at a consolation goal after Ahmed Fahmie Jamil made a good turn only to fire straight at Wardun in the 93rd minute.
DPMM FC will host defending champions Tampines Rovers in their next game at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on March 23.

08 March 2014

DPMM FC have donned a new look under former Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean.
The DPMM FC head coach didn’t start the duo of striker Shahrazen Said and midfielder Azwan Salleh in their last two matches in the Singapore League (S-League).
Despite their absence in the starting 11, Brunei’s only professional team notched wins against Albirex Niigata and Warriors FC respectively to lead the 12-team table.
Both players are in unfamiliar territory as they were regulars on the starting 11 under former head coach Vjeran Simunic.
Shahrazen has been left out of a spot up front as Rodrigo Tosi, who previously played as a midfielder, has been moved to the striker position.
The move has paid off as the latter has found the back of the net in both the games.
The Brazilian is partnered by marquee signing Roy O’Donovan up front leaving Shahrazen on the bench.
On the other hand, Azwan Ali Rahman is getting the start over Azwan Salleh as the left midfielder.
Azwan Salleh has at least come on for some minutes in both those matches late in the second half but Shahrazen has clocked zero over the two games.
The latter is affected with no playing time but keeps a positive attitude.
“I feel that my morale has gone down a little since I was always on the pitch as the first 11 over the past two seasons,” said Shahrazen in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“But come to think of it, I’m sure that there will be chances to play,” said the 28-year-old.
“I will remain patient and watch our import strikers score goals for the time being,” continued Shahrazen, who finished as joint top scorer of the 2006/07 Malaysian Super League (MSL) season with 21 goals.
Azwan Salleh too remains positive and will take all the chances he is given once on the pitch.
“We have a new coach and his decision is to play Azwan (Ali Rahman). It is good for the team,” said Azwan Salleh.
“I’m keeping positive eventhough I want to play. There is nothing negative and I will make full use whenever I get the chance to play,” he added.
“Most important is that the team wins. I’m ready to play any time off the bench,” concluded the 25-year-old.

02 March 2014

HJ MUHD Zamri Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani (pic) has been appointed general secretary of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD).

According to a press statement released by the national football body yesterday, Hj Muhd Zamri replaces Hj Mohd Noor Abdullah, who decided to retire on Friday.
The appointment took effect yesterday and Hj Muhd Zamri, who is the vice-president of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC), said he was honoured to be handed the position.
“I’m honoured and privileged to be given the trust,” Hj Muhd Zamri told The Brunei Times yesterday.
“It is a huge challenge for me and I will try my best to ensure that football development programmes are carried out accordingly.
“I hope my little experience as a footballer and the team spirit shown by the officials and staff of NFABD, and of course the guidance given by HRH (NFABD President HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah), will help me in my tasks,” added Hj Muhd Zamri, who is also the Deputy Director II of the Department of Youth and Sports.
NFABD are curently holding nationwide trails for the Under-12 and Under-17 age groups.
The selections are to select players for youth teams in line with NFABD’s Strategic Football Development Plan. The teams will then be trained according to a structured and systematic programme throughout the years.
It kicked off on Friday with the Belait district and will continue with the Temburong district today at the Temburong Sports Complex from 7-11am. The Under-12 category will be for players born in or after 2002 while the Under-17 age group is open to players born from 1996-1999.
The Tutong district trial will be held at the Tutong Sports Complex on Friday and the Brunei-Muara district at the Menglait Sports Complex on Sunday. The Brunei-Muara district trial will be split into two - the Under-12 session will be held in the morning while the Under-17 footballers will lace up from 2.30–5.30pm. More information regarding the selections can be obtained by calling NFABD at 2380047, fax at 22380057 or email at nfabd@hotmail.com.

DPMM FC continue to impress under the guidance of newly appointed coach Steve Kean following their comfortable 2-0 win over Warriors FC last night at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.Brunei’s only professional football club currently sit on top of the Singapore League (S-League) table with a maximum of six points from two games.The club has now scored three goals, with Rodrigo Tosi providing much of the firepower.
He scored the only goal in their 1-0 win against Albirez Niigata (S) FC last week and he opened the scoring three minutes into the second half last night.Captain Rosmin Hj Kamis sealed the three points with DPMM FC’s second in the 89th minute.The first chance of the game fell to the visitors when midfielder Miroslav Pejic dribbled past Sairol Sahari on the right flank.
Pejic then set his team-mate Nicholas Velez through but the striker fired his shot wide.
Another move from the right initiated by Warriors’ right back Jeremy Chiang caused panic to the DPMM FC backline but Velez once again failed to find the target.
DPMM FC had their own chance a few minutes later when Tosi flicked the ball for striker Roy O’Donovan but Warriors’ defender Zulfadli Zainal Abidin was quick to put out the danger.Both teams matched up evenly in the first half but a rejuvenated DPMM FC would establish dominance in the second.The restart saw DPMM FC adopting a more aggressive play style.It did not take long for Tosi to break the deadlock, his shot from outside the box deflecting off captain Daniel Bennett and into the net.Roberto Alviz put on a commendable performance, his tireless work ethic closed down the midfield, disrupting the play of Warriors’ Dharham Aziz and Kevin McCann, the latter replaced midway in the second half.Tosi had the chance to score his second of the night at the hour mark but his shot went straight into the hands of Warriors’ goalkeeper Hassan Sunny.O’Donovan looked to have scored his debut goal for DPMM FC but his attempt was judged to have been offside.DPMM FC were then denied a penalty when O’Donovan appeared to have been brought down by Shi Jiayi in the penalty box.Captain Rosmin would fire his volley wide a minute later following a cross from Hj Subhi Hj Abdillah Bakir from the left.
The captain eventually found the net in the final minute of the game when he made a beautiful run to latch onto a through ball from Tosi – who scooped the ball over the Warriors’ defence line.
Rosmin struck the right post in his first attempt but made no mistake in his second slamming the ball into the net.
“We had a very good goal that I think was not an off-side. We got a big claim for penalty that was not given, but we just got on with the game,” said DPMM FC coach Steve Kean after the match.
“The second-half was better ... We trusted each other with the ball.”
“Boris Raspudic was exceptional tonight, he is a tough defender, the one who always likes to defend and tackle,” said Kean when asked who was DPMM FC’s best player of the night.Last night’s other game saw Balestier Khalsa FC held to a 1-1 draw by Woodlands Wellington FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Balestier Khalsa now sit in second with four points, two behind DPMM FC.